The University of Wisconsin athletics department has released a cost-reduction plan that involves extending voluntary pay cuts for top coaches at the school.
As part of the plan, football coach Paul Chryst, men’s basketball coach Greg Gard, athletic director Barry Alvarez and other top-paid employees will be asked to extend the 15 percent pay cuts they accepted earlier in the year for another four months.
The Wisconsin State Journal reported that Chryst was scheduled to make $4.25 million in salary this season before the reduction. Gard has a contract worth $2.55 million, while Alvarez was due to receive $1.55 million.
Most athletics employees are returning to their regular schedules and full weekly hours as the beginning of the delayed Big Ten season approaches. Some, however, will continue on a work-share program through the end of 2020.
UW has projected $60 million to $70 million in pandemic-related revenue losses from a 2020-21 athletics budget originally approved at $140 million. The declines were attributed to lost ticket sales and donations associated with season packages, as well as concessions, sponsorships and licensing.
Along with salary cuts, the UW has implemented a hiring freeze and travel restrictions, as well as paused nonessential purchases.
